Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $46,369 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,369 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,801 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,260) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, Vermont, new graduates entering the surgical technologist profession can expect starting salaries around $46,369. While this figure represents the entry-level mark, there's a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $64,260. Over the first few years, many early-career surgical technologists can anticipate reasonable upward movement within the salary spectrum, typically reaching around $54,169 after gaining some experience, and potentially approaching the median as they build their skills and continue their professional development. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, this market appears to offer promising opportunities for new graduates eager to launch their careers in surgical technology.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Entry-level surgical technologists in South Burlington, VT typically start between $46,369 and $54,169 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,433 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,260 — 5.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Vermont of $16,000 represents just 34.51% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,369/year) in South Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,369 to $54,169, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in South Burlington is $46,433 ( 100.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,369, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,802.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,004
2025 BLS Actual
$43,993
2026 Current Est.
$46,369
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,004 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,621 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,369 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,873 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,004 in 2019 to $43,993 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,873. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your surgical services Career in South Burlington
Employers in South Burlington typically hire new surgical technologist graduates in hospital operating rooms, which provide a broad range of experiences with general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers are another attractive option, offering a more predictable lifestyle without the need for on-call hours. For those looking to increase their starting pay, obtaining credentials such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and achieving CST certification through the NBSTSA is essential, as these documents are now the federal hiring standard since 2021. Early in their careers, surgical technologists should consider focusing on specialties that command higher wages, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, or pursue additional qualifications like robotic surgery certification to set themselves apart in a competitive job market. In the first few years, salary increases can be steady, particularly for those who align their ongoing education with industry demands and participate actively in professional organizations like AST.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is surgical services school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in South Burlington?
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov